3 Erie County eateries fined for food code violations

Three local businesses have been fined for violating the Pennsylvania Food Code, and citations have been filed against two others.

Erie 6th Ward District Judge Dominick DiPaolo today ordered the owner of Luigi's, 727 W. 18th St., to pay $1,447 in fines and court costs. Erie County health officials had filed 16 citations against the Erie tavern after finding 17 health violations during a Sept. 11 inspection, including six "risk factor" ones that posed an immediate threat to the public's health.

The tavern was ordered to close after health inspectors and code enforcement officers found raw sewage in the basement and unsafe electrical wiring in the facility.

"The facility has since reopened after spending tens of thousands of dollars to renovate the building and bring everything up to code," said Karen Tobin, director of environmental health with the Erie County Department of Health.

County health officials had filed a total of 17 food code violations, including seven "risk factor" ones, following inspections in June and September. They found food being stored in a walk-in cooler under a leaking condenser unit, food being stored on the floor, and a blocked hand-washing sink.

County health officials filed four citations following a series of health inspections from June through October that uncovered 44 violations, including 20 "risk factor" ones.

The owners voluntarily closed the establishment in August and were allowed to reopen a week later.

Violations included fruit flies found in the kitchen, a prep table that was not cleaned and food that was not kept cold enough.

Health officials filed citations against two other Erie County businesses last week.

They filed 12 citations with Millcreek Township District Judge Paul Manzi against the owners of Chan An Buffet, 1010 West Erie Plaza, following a Nov. 13 inspection that found 12 violations, including six "risk factor" ones.

They included the Person in Charge not performing required duties; excessive grease and dust on hood filters; and food-contact surfaces not being properly washed and rinsed.

Health officials also filed 12 citations with McGowan against Country Tavern, 8107 Perry Highway, Summit Township, following a Nov. 20 inspection that found 13 violations, including six "risk factor" ones.

They included the Person in Charge not performing required duties; severe buildup of grease and dust on hood and filters; and pink slime and residue found on soda gun holster.

DAVID BRUCE can be reached at 870-1736 or by e-mail. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNbruce.